Police deny removal of security of former President

• Steps underway to form Ex-PSD 8 Division for Wickremesinghe’s security

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

Refuting reports that security personnel assigned to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe had been removed, police clarified that 163 officers remain assigned to his protection. 

Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa said that preparations are underway to establish the Ex-PSD 8 Division, specifically for Wickremesinghe’s security.
The spokesman confirmed that current security for the former President includes police officers, with 50 personnel from the Special Task Force (STF) under the direction of the former Director of the Presidential Security Division (PSD).

Thalduwa explained that once the Ex-PSD 8 Division is established, the final number of security personnel will be determined by a committee reviewing entitlements, allowances, and privileges for Members of Parliament, Ministers, and Ex-Presidents.

He also said that no security personnel had been removed from Wickremesinghe’s detail, and the exact number of officers for the Ex-PSD 8 Division will be finalised in the coming days.
Meanwhile, reports circulated that over 300 police personnel were transferred from the PSD to various police divisions across the country. These transfers, authorised by Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya with the approval of the Election Commission, align with Section 258(1) and (II) of the Public Service Commission Procedural Rules.

Among the transferred personnel were 11 Chief Inspectors, five Inspectors, 38 Sub-Inspectors, and 12 Women Sub-Inspectors.

Commenting on the reports, the spokesman explained that a message regarding the withdrawal of security had been issued due to a technical issue or miscommunication.
However, he clarified that no officers have been physically removed from the security detail as yet.

Currently, all police personnel assigned to Wickremesinghe’s security within the PSD remain on duty, even as some officers have been reassigned to provide security for the incumbent President Dissanayake.

Meanwhile, Roshan Wijesinghe has been appointed as the new Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the President’s Security Division.